17 November 2000

Sydney Entertainment Centre

"It's a special kind of feeling to know that you have met an incredibly gifted young man at such an early stage of his life. To have documented, as I have done, VJ's first feats of excellence, is to know that you have captured very precious moments - glimpses at the genesis of what is assuredly going to be a brilliant musical career - small patches in a much larger, more colourful, and grander tapestry that lies ahead."
- David J Kelly, randwick, australia

"Recorded when he was EIGHT!!.... I don't know why I bother... :)"

- Martyn Payne, toronto, canada

“I remember the first talent quest VJ played in . . . he was the opening act in a preliminary heat. As he stood, cued, centre stage ready to begin his debut public performance, with the MC concluding his introduction, there came from back of the room the remark, unkindly spoken, ‘What’s he going to play - Three Blind Mice!?’. He was 7 years of age at the time, in stature a small seven, dwarfed by the microphone stands in front of him and the backing musicians behind him, holding a guitar that looked longer than he was tall.
“As the sudden shrill but melodic opening notes of Wonderful Land engulfed the room, jaws dropped and a short-lived eerie silence fell upon the audience. Then, cheers and acclamation. Uncharacteristically, but noticeably, at the end of VJ’s allotted 2 numbers, the judges all stood, spontaneously, and unanimous applause erupted. Judges aren’t supposed to do that. At that moment in time everyone, including the judges, in that tiny upstairs room in Castle Hill back in March, 1999, knew they had just witnessed an event that would one day prove to be of significant historical relevance.
Yes, we can proudly say, ‘We Were There! . . . when VJ 1st played the Shadows and the Blues.’ ”
- Rachel & Allan McInnes, singleton, australia

“It’s an experience in itself just to look around at the faces in the audience when VJ is playing . . . there are mouths agape, shaking of heads in disbelief; some are simply grinning, while others move and groove with the beat. VJ combines the slow with the upbeat, acoustic with electric; fusing sweet melodies with infectious rhythms that appeal right across the board - from Grannies to Kindies.”
- Hambone, ex-blues harpist, swampgas, usa

“Wow! Why didn't I get some of that!!
I’d love to sing (but can’t hold a note); play the guitar (but don’t have the ‘feel’); and the piano (if only I had co-ordination) . . . not to mention persistence, endurance, natural ability, determination and patience. All of these are as natural to VJ as breathing . . . and that makes him very unique. I can't believe I got the dud genes!"
- Naomi Van Bremen, yarra glen, australia

“This boy SIMPLY FANTASTIC .... VJ is indeed a musical genius in every respect especially handling of the instrument (guitar)
 . . . very well manoeuvre [sic] indeed . . . my heartiest congratulation . . . our next HANK MARVIN!"
- Richard Lew, singapore

“I have just spent the last hour listening to the most beautiful guitar playing since Tommy and Chet Atkins! 

Congratulations VJ! Thank you, VJ, for including one of my very favourite pieces on this CD - Junk - the hair stood up on the back of my neck . . . just beautiful!
The most amazing thing about listening to this CD is that you find yourself humming, moving and getting into the whole thing and then, as if hit by a lightning bolt you stop and say to yourself, ‘back up here a minute, THIS KID IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD!’ Roll on age, and the ability to play in ALL venues to a wider audience.

The maturity is already there! I love the variety of songs and styles on Shadow - really showcases VJ’s versatility with electric and acoustic guitars, not to mention 'feel' . . . how about a blues orientated CD next time VJ?!”
- Julie Fox, sydney blues society, australia

“VJ is a great player, and will be a big part of our blues music future. I'm amazed at what he can do and the 'feel' he has at only 11 years of age. His set with Pete Cornelius at Narooma last year was sensational, and I will never forget the response he got from the punters... it was awesome! ”
- Rod Niemeier, tanja, australia

" I saw you (a while back !!) on TV playing with Tommy E . It was amazing what you did ! I am a guitar teacher living in Adelaide, my name is Ken Cooke. I saw your link thru Phil's website, so I thought I'd check it out. Anyway, I really enjoyed your playing, and best of luck for the future."
- Ken Cooke, adelaide, australia

"Your CD is arrived today and I cant take it out of the Player course [sic] my whole Family likes to hear your great Guitar playing. So keep on Rocking little big Man and find your Way. Hope to see you in Germany in the future, maybe with Tommy."
- BBMeikel, germany

"I am very impressed ... I am glad I came to visit, my husband and I play bass, my six year old son is just starting lessons on electric guitar, I could only hope he will love music as much as you do and will want to entertain too....God has given you a very wonderful gift, share it always."
- Kimberly Martin, usa

“Go for it buddy - like you said: "never give up". I listened to the web previews of VJ's work, and it definitely means I'll go hunting for the CD tomorrow - there's a special talent on show here. ”
- Peter Schmidt, sydney, australia

“I have just received the Shadow Of A Dream album... [VJ] ...has a truly magical touch with a guitar... pure Gold. He has a lot of talent and will go far in the music world. I hope he records more albums that we can buy.”
- Peter J Baldwin, wimbledon, UK

“Congratulations VJ on your amazing success so far. I've only known VJ for a short period of time, but in that time I have seen and heard what an amazing young man he is. I recall sitting there watching his sister Claudine write out the details for his recent appearance on the Kerri-Anne show and I had goosebumps all over, realising how much of a talented and amazing young man he is, and to be having the opportunity to reach the goals that he has. I feel honoured and privileged to know VJ on a personal level and I wish him all that he deserves. Keep on reaching VJ and you will go high for sure."
"You gotta sing like you don't need the money,

  Love like you'll never get hurt,

  Dance like there's nobody watching, and

  From the heart if you want it to work"
- Jen Smyth, blackett, australia

"No more words - Please play to the end of the world - and one day more"

- Renek Wib, poland

"I really like your playing and the sound of your guitar ...."

- Jarle Peder, norway

16 February 2004

Jupiters Gold Coast Casino